Auto News 5

WiTricity says Mahle has entered into a technology licence for access to WiTricity's patented technology.

Kobe Steel is to invest around JPY1.8bn (US$16.37m) to increase production capacity of its steel powder plant in Takasago, Hyogo Prefecture in western Japan.

Denso division, NSITEXE, a company which designs and develops semiconductor IP cores, has acted as lead investor and taken a stake in start-up, Quadric.io.

Besides the ongoing complex politics surrounding a proposed UK-EU exit agreement to include UK-EU trade arrangements when the UK leaves the European Union (still officially scheduled for March 29), concerns are mounting in the UK business sector over arrangements for the 'rollover' of EU free trade deals currently in place with countries around the world. The hope has been that these EU free trade deals could be 'rolled over' and still apply to the UK during a proposed transition period.

3M will nominate CEO, Mike Roman to serve as chairman following the company's annual meeting of shareholders on 14 May this year.

Subaru sales and profits fell in the first nine months of fiscal 2019 and the automaker has revised its forecasts after being hit with recalls related to quality inspections for the Japanese market and a recent production stoppage due to faulty power steering parts.

A report by consultants Deloitte suggests that technology cost reductions mean that Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are coming down in cost so that by 2022 BEVs will be costing roughly the same for consumers as an equivalent vehicle run on an internal combustion engine.

Constellium says it is supplying aluminium structural components for new BMW X Model Sports Activity Vehicles.

The UK government says it has launched a process to support OEMs and technology companies undertaking advanced trials of automated vehicles.

News 7 Feb, 2019

CollectingCars.com provides a secure platform for the sale of collectible cars from all eras, with the first auction taking place in spring

A tool to help choose the right powertrain for company car drivers has been developed by UK leasing company Arval.

Fractal Antenna Systems, Inc. says it has solutions to make road tags brighter to vehicular radar, for improved driverless vehicle tracking, and 'enabling the antiquation of LIDAR systems'.

Fiat Chrysler has done a great job of creating Abarth as a brand, the name having originally coming from the surname of a man with a love for motor racing and fettling Fiats to make them faster. The twin achievements of making Abarth well known and being able to charge high prices for the cars are impressive.

The UK government said "a process is being developed to support the advanced trials of automated vehicles" though advanced trials will not be supported unless they have passed rigorous safety assessments.

Britain's Road Haulage Association (RHA) believes the Government's announcement concerning simplified customs checks is not enough to prepare businesses for a no-deal Brexit.

Ratings agency Fitch has placed Tata Motors Limited's (TML) Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) of 'BB' on Rating Watch Negative (RWN) to reflect the "increasing risks of a disorderly Brexit for its fully owned subsidiary Jaguar Land Rover".

News 6 Feb, 2019

The initial UK production run of 900 Kia e-Niros has already sold out, and new orders will be delayed due to a supply chain bottleneck

General Motors said strong 2018 full year earnings were driven by strong pricing, surging crossover sales, growth of GM Financial earnings, "disciplined" cost control and the successful launch of the company's all-new full-size pickup trucks: the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.

Although Toyota revenues and operating profit edged up and its unit sales were stable in the fiscal third quarter (ended 31 Dec), net income for the company was sharply down.

Fastned has started operating a fast charging station at Van der Valk Hotel Gladbeck close to the A2 in Germany.